The last person to use the word 'cute' in relation to Vandelin within his earshot suffered mysterious night terrors for a week, but for the moment, he is oblivious in his concentration.

"Never better," he says, pushing his luck even further to stand on tiptoe, and addressing Kirk without turning to look at him. (Turning would be the straw that broke the camel's back, not to mention probably Vandelin's as well, but he's not going to admit it.) "You need anything from this shelf?"